Raiders say McFadden still very much in their plans

ALAMEDA -- The process of rebuilding the Raiders includes welcoming back Darren McFadden for the final year of his contract.

Scheduled to earn just over $5.8 million, coming off a disappointing season and general manager Reggie McKenzie's philosophy of fiscal responsibility and building with young talent, McFadden's status was the subject of speculation.

Based on what McKenzie told local reporters Thursday, there are no plans to trade or release McFadden after a season during which he gained 707 yards on 216 carres, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt.

"I'm confident Darren's going to play his last season, regardless of what's out there," McKenzie said. "We have no decision to do anything with Darren."

McKenzie traced McFadden's issues to an offensive system which did not best utilize his skills as a "north-south runner."

"When you talk about scheme, he's not a lateral mover," McKenzie said.

Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp was fired following the regular-season by coach Dennis Allen. Knapp's zone-blocking system requires runners to first move laterally before waiting to cut upfield.

Additional notes from McKenzie's first meeting with local reporters since Nov. 30:

* An offensive coordinator, as well as an offensive line coach, special teams coordinator and lineackers coach, are expected to be hired soon, although McKenzie had no timetable.

Former Raiders head coach Norv Turner was contacted, McKenzie said, but was not interested. He said Marc Trestman, who was named the Chicago Bears had coach, was also contacted.

Former Rams head coach Mike Martz has been interviewed and former Jacksonville quarterbacks coach is also a reported candidate.

* McKenzie hinted keeping Rolando McClain on the 53-man roster following his two-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team was related to a salary cap acceleration.

McKenzie said he hadn't talked to McClain about a recent arrest for giving a false name to police in Decatur, Ala., and didn't plan to talk to him.

* Right guard Mike Brisiel, who signed as an unrestricted free agent last season, had surgery on his ankle following the season and hampered by the injury all season, McKenzie said. Right tackle Khalif Barnes had surgery on his triceps.

* Medical reports on quarterback Carson Palmer, knocked out in Week 16 with cracked ribs and a bruised lung, indicate he'll be a participant in the off-season and organized team activities.

* Signing unrestricted free agents such as Richard Seymour and punter Shane Lechler was not ruled out by McKenzie, but he said, "Everything's predicated on money. You get guys that are used to making a set amount, they're premiere players, and you don't know what other teams are going to throw out there from a contract standpoint."

* The Raiders staff departs for the Senior Bown in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, with practice starting Monday.

It gives coaches and scouts to observe players in meetings and practices, as well as in a relaxed informal atmosphere.

"I think it's invaluable information to get to see the real person," McKenzie said